YORK Minster’s magnificent nave will be lit by around 2,000 candles this Sunday when the cathedral holds its annual and much-loved Advent Procession.

The service, which starts at 5.15pm, marks the start of the Advent season at the minster, and is the first in a series of special services taking place during December.

The cathedral starts in darkness before a single flame is used to spread light throughout the congregation, with each person holding a candle and passing the flame to their neighbour, as York Minster’s clergy and choir process down the nave from the Great West Doors.

“The Advent Procession is one of the most popular and visually stunning services in the Christian calendar,” said the Rev Canon Peter Moger, Precentor at York Minster.

“Advent marks the start of the Church’s year and is a season of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate on Christmas Day. "

Other service highlights during December include: Friday, December 8 at 7.30pm - Sankta Lucia – Festival of Light; Monday, December 18 – 6pm Organ Recital: Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur. performed in the Quire by York Minster’s director of music Robert Sharpe, with readings and prayers; Friday, December 22 – 7pm – Nine Lessons and Carols. The first of two services of nine special readings, carols sung by the York Minster Choir and hymns for everyone to join in; Christmas Eve, noon – Crib Service, 4pm – Nine Lessons and Carols, 11.30pm – Traditional Midnight Mass and Christmas Day, 8am – Holy Communion (said, 1662), 10am – Sung Eucharist of Christmas Day. Preacher: The Archbishop of York, 11.45am – Christmas Day Choral Matins and 4pm – Christmas Day Choral Evensong.